Abstract

Belgium often is of interest to social scientists and the public. This is not merely a consequence of the fact that Brussels is the political heart of Europe. Difficulties with the appointment of the government, the extreme multi-party system, disputes about the competence of Communities and Regions, the gradual social and cultural divergence between the Flemish and the Walloons are only the most important problems of modern Belgium. Initially, monolingual, through Flemish Movement’s activities, Belgium became a state that recognizes Dutch. Successive reforms have resulted in federalisation state. These changes do not resolve the problems of Belgium. Cultural diversity and political instability still provoke questions about the future of Belgium.